The Zodiac Constellations

The zodiac constellations are 12 star patterns in the sky. Long ago, people saw shapes like animals and people in the stars. The Sun, Moon, and planets all move through these constellations during the year. Each one has a special name and story.

The 12 Patterns

The 12 zodiac constellations are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Most of them are named after animals. For example, Leo is a lion and Taurus is a bull. Libra is not an animal. It looks like a set of scales. Each constellation can be seen best at certain times of the year.

How People Use Them

People have used the zodiac for thousands of years. Farmers once watched these stars to know when to plant crops. Sailors used them to find their way across the ocean. Astronomers still use the zodiac on sky maps. It helps them track where planets are moving in the sky.

Fun Facts

• The word 'zodiac' comes from a Greek word meaning 'circle of animals'.
• There is actually a 13th constellation called Ophiuchus along the Sun's path.
• The zodiac goes all the way around the sky in a big band.

Did You Know?

The zodiac was invented by people in Babylon more than 2,500 years ago. They were some of the first people to study the stars carefully.